what are the different 4WD shift selections used for and what should I keep it in for normal driving

8 Answers

It depends on the transfer case you have. 4WD full-time means that the 4WD is working all the time. This is typically used for driving in rough conditions -- snow, mud, water. Part-time is used when normal driving on roads that might have patchy rough spots -- ice, etc. 4WD Lo is used only in extreme conditions and you want to keep your speed under 35mph. 4WD neutral is used when flat-towing the vehicle -- it unlocks all the wheels from the differential.
In newer vehicles you can use 4WD full-time for normal driving although your gas mileage will decrease.

4Hi- is used for driving in poor weather/road conditions ( snow,ice, mud, etc)
4Lo- would be used in an extreme condition , such as being stuck in deep snow/mud . The vehicle will be put into a low gear for added power to get unstuck.
2Wd-is for normal ,everyday driving, in good road conditions( dry roads) you will get the best fuel economy in this setting.
N- is neutral , it puts the transfer case in neutral.

I PURCHASED MY '05 DAKOTA IN 2012 WITH 28K MILES FROM MY NEIGHBOR WHO WAS SICK. IT WAS NEVER IN 4WD UNTIL I MOVED NORTH TO CT THIS SUMMER. I PUT IT IN 4WD IN THE SNOW, MY PROBLEM IS THAT THE TRUCK IS ...